Operator Qualification (OQ) Training

Operator Qualification (OQ) Training

Is your Operator requiring you to have OQ Training? Do you even know what that means?

Operator Qualification (OQ) Training was developed to comply with the Office of Pipeline Safety of the U. S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Regulation (49 CFR Part 192 Subpart N and Part 195 Subpart G).

The DOT Operator Qualification Rule requires Pipeline Operators to develop and maintain a written qualification program for individuals performing Covered Tasks on pipeline facilities, and to qualify their work force on Covered Tasks.

To assure safety in the transport of hazardous gases and liquids in the nation's pipelines, Pipeline Operators who perform covered tasks must be qualified.

In order to help our customers get DOT PHMSA compliant, ASC offers online Computer Based Operator Qualification (OQ) Training, with over 150 modules to choose from, we have the solution to certify Pipeline Contractors for any Covered Task. Students will complete their interactive online courses at their own pace and recieve a certificate upon successful completion.

Operator Qualification Information, Questions, Terms, and Page

What is a Covered Task?

Covered tasks are defined in an Operator’s Written Plan which defines specific job functions or activities personnel are qualified to perform on a pipeline facility. A Covered Task is also known as the Four-Part Test, in order for an activity to be considered a Covered Task, the following must apply:

Is performed on a pipeline facility?

Is an operations or maintenance task?

Is performed as a requirement of this part?

Affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline?

What is Qualified?

Qualified means that an individual has been evaluated and can perform assigned covered tasks and recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions.

Do I have to be qualified to perform a Covered Task?

In accordance with the Federal Code of Regulations requirenments, individuals who are not qualified may perform covered tasks under the direction and direct observation of a qualified individual.

What is an Evaluator?

Persons performing evaluations should possess the required knowledge (1) to ascertain an individual's ability to perform the covered tasks and (2) to substantiate an individual's ability to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that might surface while performing those activities. This does not necessarily mean that the person performing the evaluations should be physically able to perform the covered tasks themselves.

What is Training?

An educational or instructional process (e.g. classroom, computer-based, or on-the-job) by which an individual's knowledge and skill level is improved. While not currently required by the OQ rule, training is nonetheless fundamental to implementing many of the OQ rule’s requirements.

The OQ Rule - The Operator Qualification (OQ) Program stems from a mandate in 1992 and continues through present Pipeline Safety Acts. Based on concerns from Congress, current event accidents, the Act of 1992, and again in 1996, the Office of Pipeline Safety developed regulations addressing OQ. Based on the wording associated with the Acts, specific areas, such as operating and maintenance tasks, were required…